This demonstration came a day after 5,500 building workers took to the streets demanding better wages and working conditions. It was the largest action of construction workers in the city since the June 1998 protest that drew 40,000 participants. A giant inflated rat, a prop well known among construction workers, representing both scabs and nonunion employers, was also present at the event.

After the rally several workers spoke to the Militant. John Hyland, a union construction worker for more than 21 years and a member of Carpenters Union Local 608, insisted on making his opinion clear about immigrant workers, given that many of the workers employed by Forkosh hail from other countries. "We're not against nonunion workers, we're against nonunion contractors. God bless anyone trying to make a living. They pay somebody $6 an hour for a job that they should be paid $30 for. They are usually immigrant workers," he said. "I wish everyone of them could get union scale wages. They're not the problem. It's the greedy bastards they work for."

Robert Marchak, who has been a construction worker for 20 years, said, "They are always looking to increase their profit margin. Benefits are important. If you risk your life every day hanging off of buildings, you deserve some health benefits and a decent retirement. Nonunion workers get no benefits." Posing a question to the bosses, Marchak commented, "I made you a million dollars; can I get a tooth fixed? They hire part-time so they don't have to pay benefits, like UPS."

Hyland stated that over the last five years or so "we have begun to get more militant."  
 
 
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